Personally, the lack of color on the 5000U was the reason why I bought it. It looks more subtle and comes off as more mature. The monochrome look with the positive display, the stainless steel case w/ screw down back, LED backlight, and the upgraded module makes it the one G-Shock to rule them all.
I own many high end swiss and Grand Seiko's and can confidently say that if I could only have one watch, the GW5000 would keep me happy for life. The best of all squares IMO! Superb build quality, timeless design and will last a lifetime!
Me too. We went tracking around the rainforest in 2019 and I had my g shock with me. Smart watches and phones are no use in that situation. Love the g shock so much perfect for any occasion
I feel the same and have a similar decent little collection of fancy stuff but if I had to run and take one watch it would probably be on my Casio world time AE1200! Obviously not quite as rugged but I've worn it and beat on it and it has no trouble going but the 10-year battery and the Funky unique look. I try not to put it on because what I do I know it's going to stay off for 2 weeks!
That's awesome to hear I'm glad I was able to help out a bit!! Also just curious, but what aspect/which aspects of the GW5000U made it the gshock that you've been waiting for?
Just got my GW-5000u and am absolutely in love with it. This is my first G-Shock and almost surely my last. Love the lack of color. It looks so cool, is so comfortable on my 6.5in wrist, and is such a pleasing piece of kit. Many thanks for helping me recognize this great watch through your balanced and enthusiastic review.
I have the pre-upgrade model since May 2015, and haven't needed to make any adjustment since then. I put it in a window every week, even if I don't wear it to keep it charged (probably doesn't require this quite so often). Really an amazing watch, and now even better with the upgrades.
I bought the GW-M5610 for $93 2 years ago and I have worn it every day. It’s multi ban 6 and tough solar. It the best watch I have ever bought highly recommend
Definitely. I have my GW5000 since 2017 and being a notorious flipper, that is a long time for me, by far the longest serving watch in my collection. I grab it mainly as motorcycling watch (slim, tough, light, fits under armored gloves), and also when I want something under the radar. When I travel for business, I grab an Omega and this - Omega for representing, GW5000 for evening outings. Always gets MB6 reception and never had the solar charge below H. Amazing watch.
Great review! Thanks! I bought the 5600UE-1DR, Though Solar, no Multi-Band, because we don't have an atomic clock radio signal in Brazil, and I can enjoy the thinner and lighter case.
Thanks for covering the subtleties! The resin band and “just okay” viewing angles on my DW-5600 have kept me from wearing it for very long. This review gives me more confidence about an upgrade. :-)
Sure thing, I'm glad I was able to help out a bit! yeah if those are the main issues you have with a DW5600 then you'll definitely love the GW5000U. it still amazes me how much of a step up it is!
Great review TWI! I have to agree that the time being visible when in the stopwatch or timer mode is a huge plus. It's also good to see that the power level indicator remains, something that the connected squares lost from the display. I wore my old 5610 quite a lot this year with more hospital appointments than I would have liked and a couple of surgeries that I needed. You can't beat a resin G-Shock in these situations where they look like a cheap $10 watch but are so much more. I must confess though my go to G-Shock for my many follow up after care appointments was my all black square titanium positive display model and not a sausage noticed it. It's interesting to hear that the 5610 now also has the upgraded module due here in the UK with colours! The easily identifiable difference being the face no longer states EL-Light, the new version just has Light if I recall correctly. I might just have talked my way into another possible purchase but my old 5610 and I have been through such a lot together over the last year I don't really want to replace it.
Thanks as always Anthony! And I didnt know that the Bluetooth squares got rid of the power level indicator! That's definitely unfortunate bc it's already happened a couple times that I notice them drop to medium and I immediately take them outside. The batteries would have most likely gone flat otherwise. Thats great to hear that the 5610 was such a great companion and I must say I can totally understand how it filled that role. There's just so much to look at and to fiddle around with which makes it so much more engaging. Can't believe people still say that digital/quartz watches have no soul! Yeah you should definitely go for the GW 5000U! And as for your concern about it stepping on the toes of your beloved 5610, the extra color of the 5610 really makes it stand apart from the GW5000U and I still wear it often bc I specifically want to see the extra color. And then there are separate times when I want to see that upgraded GW5000U screen and wear something a bit more refined. At the start I was worried that the GW5000U would take away wrist time from the other squares but each one offers something special so it's thankfully not been the case! Instead the GW5000U took wrist time from my other regular watches looool😄
@@thewatchidiot I have to agree TWI, too much snobbery around against digital or quartz watches. I'm just as happy to wear a digital or a Rolex on my wrist, the brand or movement really does not matter to me, I like all sorts although it must be said that over the years I have been fortunate to get hold of a few more premium (to me anyway) watches. My journey this year with my trusty old 5610 will seared into my brain for as long as I'm able to access my memories, far more than any other watch I own as it was a personal journey. The 5000 connected squares show the battery charge status on the app in % form which is handy it's just a shame we don't get to see it on the watch face but I guess it does look cleaner. It becomes a bit of a chore if you have a few connected squares though remembering which one to connect to, I really should rename them so it makes sense what I'm connecting to as opposed to trial and error connecting to the right one though LOL.
Yeah in the end digital watches have their own specific experience that can't be had with normal watches! I really want to get a Bluetooth square to be able to try out the app but lol I can totally see how it could be hard to keep track of multiple through one app! The new titanium virtual armor really caught my eye although the price tag is making me hesitate. Definitely worth it but still! I might actually go for the full metal tron variant as a first stepping stone. It's just the right level of bold for me
@@thewatchidiot I have the discontinued full titanium in black with the positive display, it was not an easy choice to spend that kind of money on a watch that looks pretty much the same (at a little distance) to the 5610 (the gold pushers and screws give it away) but I'm pleased I did after watching the available numbers count down on the Casio site, there were only 2 left when I pulled the trigger and it's not been available since. Yeah I would agree go for a full metal first, I did that as the end links do not articulate and wasn't sure of the fit, they are completely fine on my wrist though. A few other full metals have crept in to my collection since.
@@anthonystevens8683 I own 2 full steel squares, the silver and the black. Wearing a digital watch again took me some time to get used to, but they have totally grown on me. The fit, the size, the timeless design, the crisp STN displays, the amazing accuracy, the beautiful finishing and the great build quality totally won me over. I never have problems when connecting my watches to the app, the app automatically selects the right profile for the watch, you don’t have to switch it over yourself. Try it, open the app, and push the lower left button until it connects. You will see the right profile coming up, the app recognises the watch. Enjoy your square G’s!
Lol the strap shake was a good way to show the suppleness. I've seen this watch before but not in person and it really does look like it's on another level. Good job
looool its such a crucial part of the experience so I had to show it some how! I'm glad the suppleness compared to the regular resin straps came through! Yeah its an amazing watch for sure so if yeah idk if you have gshocks but its definitely worth a second look👍
I've had my GW5000U for almost 9 months and I tend to wear it more than my more expensive watches in my collection. It's so easy to wear, just the right size and weight. Never needs winding or setting. Always the right time, date etc. And I love that I don't worry about banging it around like my other watches. It still looks exactly the same as the day I bought it. So reliable and dependable. Great work Casio. Also great review, sorry I should have led with that.
the moment the U version came out , i bought it . feels great wears great and the quality feel is 100% i also have a gw-6900 a gw-5610 black version and a dw-5600 which i gave to my son who passed the baby G (bg-130l) to my younger daughter also own a prw-2500 a prt-41 and still have my very first casio 93 model telememo 50 (db-56w) also own 2 citizen ny0040 black and pepsi seiko skx007 orient excursionist a very special for me sector 255 chronograph with sapphire crystal eta module and 660s steel with president bracelet , very nice feeling wearing it . the amazing thing with this watch is its accuracy... it looses 1 second within a year!!! also own a rolex sub hulk version ... forgot to mention my beloved seiko 5 sea urchin i almost always find my self wearing casios and particularly the squares.... keep up the nice vids. greetings from greece
Great review! I have many expensive and rare G-Shocks, but the GW-5000-1JF is my favorite G of all. That crisp display, the soft resin and the titanium caseback! But after seeing your review I’ll have to spring for the U-1JF version. I also really really like seeing the time of day in Stopwatch mode!
Awesome Review! I bought two because they are so amazing and comfortable. I'm more into automatics but this is my only go-to digital time piece. Thank you and God bless!
I like this watch. If it had Bluetooth, for me, it would be the ultimate G-Shock. Man, do I dislike the negative display model I got. I'll not make that mistake again.
Thanks to the quality of this video I got me a 5000U and oh man I am so deeply in love with it! I cut the súper supple band and filed it round so it fits my wrist much better and now I cannot take it off. I’m so fortunate to be able to own this!
Second that. I have both the 5610u and 5000u. Had the the 5610u come with material spec of the 5000u (a “5061u”? :-) ) I probably would have stopped there.
Um, isn't that the point of the 5000u? It literally has the same module as the m5610u. Just with different materials. If they made a m5610u with the materials of a 5000u... It would "be" a 5000u.
This is a G-shock guy's G-shock. And I'm here for it. It is like a secret handshake: unnoticed by most, and the "extra features" would be unjustified to 99% of the buying public when you could get a 5600E for 50.00 USD. But for ppl who are tuned into watches, it's like "Mmm, tip of the hat, sir. Wise choice." I started with a basic 5600e from Amazon for 40.00 USD, just to try out (usually wearing automatic mechanicals). Immediately liked & went back for the 5610 w/ 🌤️&⚛️ for a few dollars more. Now, this. Will anyone besides me know the case is steel and screws down rather than screwed on? Or that the display is much more clear and high contrast? Doubtful, but I will know. And if ya DO know, then we've got that in common, ie: the secret handshake 🤝 Game recognize game Edit: 👍 + sub, great content, TY
I just got my 5610U and i am totally happy with it, not sure if the "uograde" is worth the money but maybe one day..... ;). I like the oldschool design and the connection to the history and that i can do everything with the watch i want. I am not afraid to wear it, if it gets to much scratches it can replace the parts or get a new one, it doesnt brake the bank.
@@bteranp I own both: The 5610 offers more value. The 5000 is made in Japan, has a better strap, a steel core like the original G-Shock and a steel screwback caseback. Unless you care about G-Shock heritage, just get the 5610.
Fantastic video!! You really read my mind with this, with all the G shock sales going on this past cyber Monday, this was what I was thinking of. although your review made me appreciate my 5600 even more… it just does so much for $40, and the “upgrades” are just so hard to justify.
Thanks I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Yeah while the GW5000U is a big step up, the DW5600 for $40 is just amazing I still love wearing it! While it has lots of functions, I do like the overall simplicity when compared to the GW5000U. I also love seeing the extra pops of color on it!
GW-M5610U with the same updated 3495 module is still the better value and it wears better because of the shorter lug-to-lug. I have a GW-M5610UBC-1JF that came with the Combi-bracelet for $190USD and there's no other solar multi band G-Shock that's better for the money. Sure the red GW-M5610U is cheaper but I hate resin straps. The Combi-bracelet is so worth the money.
The GWM5610's are now shipping with the 3495 at a sub-$120 USD pricepoint. I honestly don't get how the GW-5000U is worth it when it's nearly 3x the price.
Thank you for the review, I love this watch. Added the Gen 2 Casio Combi bracelet, which upgrades the watch fit and feel to a new level and offers a quick on and off the wrist, better weight distribution, and even better breathing. That said, the genuine Casio Gen 2 bracelet (has the matching dimples to the case) is not inexpensive ($150-$200) depending on seller. It makes it a ~$500 more dressy watch if you go all the way and it is stealth. Only you and the any G-Shock nerds would know the difference. Getting the bracelet on is an exercise in patience (30 min) for an amateur like me, but well worth it. I agree, this is the ultimate.
The GW-b5600 has all those features plus Bluetooth. With it paired with a smartphone, it'll sync 4 times a day, without having to put it bu a window to get the atomic signal. The bracelet is also a great upgrade from the strap, and if one doesn't like the negative display, 10 minutes and a piece of polarized film later, you'll have a positive display. Did that on mine, and it just makes it that much more practical.
Thats awesome, I'm glad to hear from fellow GW5000U owners! Even tho i love all my squares there is just something so special about the weight and feel of the GW5000U
Still not worth it. They're shamefully over priced, especially when you consider that even a $150 smartwatch has way more advanced and costly components in it. That's not to say one should want a smartwatch, but this is 40+ year old technology that probably costs pennies to make, and then they upsell you on features soo cheap they should be universal, like solar charging....the panel in it can't cost more than a nickel, even in today's market. Certainly not more than 50 cents. Yet for the pleasure of it, you'll pay over $100 more. The watch bodies themselves are also extremely cheap to make. There's nothing about it that comes close to justifying even a fraction of the price tag.
@@peoplez129 Almost all watches, unless you buy from Aliexpress are shamefully overpriced. Rolex? Yes. Omega? Yes. Richard Mille? YES! Heck, buy even a cheap Daniel Wellington and you get ripped off. Here you get a real icon in horology, made like the original G-Shocks from 1983, made in Japan, with a steel core, steel screwdown caseback and better resin. If you don't care about that stuff, the 5610U is a much better choice.
I am almost sold. I just wish they had the same size button as my steel variant. Lol but I wish my steel variant had the rubber cover over the case. The steel is a thumb print magnet. But, it has been through a crazy amount and still going. Gshock keeps producing these almost perfect versions for me... lol.
Had the 5610 for a long time and got the 5000 as I figured it was a slam dunk upgrade. However the 5000 is a little heavier, wears a little larger, and I missed the colors on the 5610 which give it a certain charm. The 5000 is still a great watch but just goes to show how much seeing a watch in person and on your wrist matters. I sold mine and went back to the 5610.
Your video convinced me to return the GW7900 which I had just bought, thus purchasing the GW500U instead! Very convincing and well argued video explaining your love for this iconic timepiece!
Own and love this watch … there are only two things I dislike about it and to me are not such small items: The pushers could be just a touch bigger as they are somewhat hard to press more of an issue … The alarm/chime is literally so low I thought I have a defective watch that’s how low the sound of alarm is . Other than that if I had to pick one watch in a zombie apocalypse this for sure would be it!
I'm a HUGE G-Shock fan and your review was spot on. It's one of the ultimate G-Shocks. One custom I want to build is get a G-5600U and put a GW-M5610U module in it. I have one that I build with the older G-5600 and the module from a GW-M5600 but the ALM/SIG/SNG indicators don't match up and that's challenging my OCD. Also no time in the stopwatch mode. At the end I thought it was your G-Shock that flew off your wrist. ha ha
Thanks man and yeah I totally agree that its one of the ultimate gshocks! Thats pretty awesome that you switched around the actual modules, but yeah I think the misaligned indicators would get to me too lol! I forgot to mention this in the video but one slight thing that bothers me ever so slightly is that the start stop for the stop watch is the bottom button bc I'm so used to using the top button on my other chronographs! Thankfully the DW5600 has it the right way around. looooool yeah i thought it was one of the gshocks i had on my desk too! Thankfully it was an old gopro so it was able to take a tumble!
It looks an awesome watch, but I'd like to see a bit of colour (just my personal preference of course). I like the 5610 because it's looks resemble the original 1983 DW5000C. My perfect watch would be a GW5000U with the face of the 5610.
I’ve sold most of my watches expensive and cheap. This I just ordered and will be my daily watch. Always loved g shocks I have the dw one just so comfortable and do what a watch is meant too.
I just bought GWM5610. Love it. Thinking about getting another G-Shock. Not sure which. For a while I thought about the solar and atomic timekeeping 6900, but now I prefer the square design of 5610.
I love my squares. As it stands I just completed a DW5600 build. As for the GW5000/u, I do not see myself ever getting one. Not because it is not a great watch, because it is. I have had a couple of screwback models over the years and have massively disliked how they wear compared to screw on casebacks. Also I never wear the stock straps. I always wear my Gs on strap adapters. Much more comfortable IMO.
This video is a great example of how I continue to justify my watch addiction to myself. I have a GW-M5610, GMW-B5000 and eventually convinced myself that I also "needed" a GW-5000U. 😅
I had one but sold it because the alarm was too quiet (metal case?) and the buttons were too recessed and hard to push. I agree that the strap and overall feel of the 5000 is superior than the 5610U but it’s by no means an improvement as a functional timepiece.
Lol exactly my complaints on an otherwise Great Watch! I literally thought I received a defective watch given how low the chime/alarm is and the pushers are tough to contact .
Loved the video - I have a GW-5000U and to me its perfect - the only issue I had was, like you, the fit. I'm not a fan of rubber/resin straps full stop due to clown size eight and half inch wrists and sweat. I bought a set of JaysandKays NATO strap adapters and put a green Zuludiver NATO strap on it with black hardware. Awesome I now wear it every day super comfortable and adds a bit of colour.
It charges from any light source, not just outside. I have GW5000-1JF and GW5000U-1JF, GW5000-1JF is now getting quite rare. I also have vintage mechanical watches, but the square's gets the wrist time .
Great video, I agree with all of your likes/dislikes on this fantastic watch. I actually picked this up recently as my first G Shock. It definitely felt a little ridiculous, given that the 5610 is way cheaper and seems 99% as good... but I just REALLY didn't like the red outline on the 5610, lol. I do agree with you that the 5000 could use some more color though, maybe different color text to give it that retro Casio aesthetic. I also wish Casio made non-G shock watches as premium as this one, sometimes I just want a nice digital watch that doesn't scream "I could wear this to war"
Thank you so much!! And that's so cool to hear that this was your first gshock! Yeah I've heard of some people opting for the gw5000 bc of the more low key appearance which the watch got right for sure. Yeah it would have been super interesting to see what Casio could have done with premium digital or premium ana-digi watches that aren't gshocks bc unfortunately so many of their other designs are just too busy and big for my tastes. Looooooo and many more are indeed ones that scream "I could wear this to war!" Let's see what comes in 2022!
This is a really old comment you made...but have you considered a Casio Oceanus, such as the TC200S? They're premium Casio analog watches that have a lot of the radio and solar functions of the higher end G-Shocks. They have an elegant stainless steel case with finishing on par with $2000 watches and a sapphire crystal, with these really cool floating indices, yet are only around $400 or so. Between an OCW-T200S-1AJF and a GB-5000U, that kind of covers every conceivable need.
DW-5600E has much louder alarm.flash alert,time in all modes.battery usually lasts far longer than stated two years. I need an audible alarm,what good is a alarm thats inaudible.
Great review. I know the negatives were “minor” but I couldn’t disagree more. You love the gray, the reflective tone from the solar panel, why screw up the face with red or some clown colors like on other solar models? That lack of strong colors presence with premium feels, and a crisp positive display make this piece. You should color in the bezel “g shock” wording in red yellow or orange. Also the awesome screw back gives it just enough lift if will fit under that puffy coat. Finally,. screw back will keep from yanking out hairs. That’s a positive for many 😂
Yeah, I have the gw5000 and I paired it with a titanium camo mod kit and it looks super nice. The grey face makes it more open for different color bezels and bands. I'm planning on getting U version soon and maybe pair it with a TVA titanium mod kit.
I agree with adding color to the dial. That's why I have not bought this model. I do love the updated module as I have the g5000ue with the same module features. It too lacks a pop color, so a red or orange border like the 5610. I want a metal case again like my original that I bought in 1987, but the dial lacks color and I won't spend the money on it.
I wanted the GMWB-5000 (Gold/Stainless/Black - Reverse LCD) but couldn't justify A: spending $500 on a G-Shock and B: Having a Gold/Stainless/Black G-Shock - they just seem outlandishly tacky. Once I found the GW-5000U I instantly knew this was the G-Shock for me. The Ultimate Sleeper G-Shock.
Thanks! ooooooooooo man I've been eyeing that version for quite some time as well! its so cool that they include two sets of cases and straps bc they each are so cool. And in my mind I'm trying to convince myself that I'm getting two watches for the price of one lol!
This comment makes me feel so much better. I’ve been going between both and with with 5610U. I love the color and the print a lot more than the 5000 and the functions are the exact same. So I think I made the right choice. 👊🏼🤙🏼
Thanks happy to hear you enjoyed it! Yeah it was super low key I only found out about it bc a random video popped up in my feed saying the modules are going to be updated and I happened to watch it lol! I'm glad they upgraded what they upgraded for sure😀
Agreed. It’s a compromise, but I put custom-sized 9H tempered glass protectors over the crystal. They’re super clear, fit perfectly, look great, and easily replaced if needed.
Great video man! Didn't really know about this particular square but it seems like a top model! I've yet to own a square but I know I will at some point. Maybe this is the one!
Thanks man! Yeah its definitely not a well known model I only recently found out about it and i got it soon after! It would make for a pretty awesome first square!
First I didnt think so much about it, was happy with (and still is) with my GMW-B5000, metalstrap and the one with rubber strap. This GW-5000U is like a toned down "regular looking" version of it, it sports the same steelcase and stuff. But more anonymous. I like it more and more, and I really like that it has that all black/greyish vibe to it.
regarding fit: I didn't like where the buckle hit - very off center toward the 12 side - so I swapped the strap pieces. Now the buckle is on the six (near) side and the buckle lands in the center.
Damn. Great video, man! The square is one of my favorite watch designs. The idea of wearing the elevated version of it (I didn't know this one existed until this video) is super intriguing. Miiiiight be picking one up now. Cheers!
Glad to hear you enjoyed it and that I was able to help out a bit! But yeah if the upgraded feel is intriguing you then you absolutely need to go for it! It still amazes me how special it feels despite being "just another black square." Let me know what you think of it if you end up getting one!
Where I always prefer a metal screw down case back and housing they should have made the strap longer. In general they should have made the GW 5600 and 5610 models with longer straps or at least a choice for it. They barely fit let alone over a wet-suit or sleeve. They totally missed on that thinking all people are tiny Japanese guys.
Thats awesome to hear, last summer my gshocks especially this one dominated my wrist time to the point I was worried if I would ever be able to wear normal watches after them lol!
Thannks for the video! I've ordered one last month, expected it to arrive next week. I have a small wrist, my only hope is it would fit me well. Btw, I have a 40mm seiko mechanical watch and this would be my first g-shock. I never thought I love this shape/model since I always like round watch and not quartz one.
Great review, I love the classic square, have the GW-M5610 negative display on a comp bracelet and will be ordering the EU version of this, the 5000U-1ER. I will do a bracelet swap as I think the 5000U on the comp bracelet is the ultimat G-Shock square combo.
I just ordered one. The only thing missing is perhaps to have a combi strap on it, like the one on the GW-B5600BC-1BER, which seems to be very comfortable. It would be interesting to compare if this resin strap is as comfortable as the combi bracelet
To me it is - I never thought the resin straps were uncomfortale, even on the regular 5600s. I have tried the combi and to me it just cheapens the look of the watch. It is just a plastic bracelet where you can clearly see the "seams" looking at it from the sides, with a cheap pressed clasp. I know lots of people like and prefer the combi, but I really really don't. To me, G's belong on the resin straps or on the metal bracelets (on the full metals G's -those bracelets are awesome, solid links, milled clasp, etc). But you might like it, who knows - we don't have to like the same things. I would just advise to try them before or at least see them in person
@@tiagodvt Thank you for your comment. I have never tried a combi bracelet but indeed, with the high price of this one, I think it would be necessary to try it before :) But I am waiting for the arrival of my 5000, maybe the resin strap will be fine and even more comfortable than the one on my 5610
Similarly, I purchased the previous version (GW-5000-1jf) right when the GW-5000u came out. I'm going to keep the old one, but still tossing up whether to get the update. Decisions, decisions. Good review mate.
This is truly the only G one needs and the most perfect G, because Gs are made for use, not for bling bling like the metal and titanium ones. If the strap gets old or the bezel you change it cheap. The bracelet has many points of failure compared to the strap. The case back also the same, one big screw compared to the 4 screws which can fail and the watch won't be water resistant any more. Also the resin case sometimes the holes of the pins get destroyed. With the metal case can't happen. This watch is just perfect.
